2021 is here and what a year 2020 has been. If you have been using 2020 as an excuse to procrastinate on almost everything during the lockdown, let us try to get back in shape and get things done. Here are 3 tips that I’ve been using to keep myself on track and efficient.
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Note. Always keep a notepad and list down all the tasks. I usually jot my task into bite-sized information and record the estimated completion days (no more than 5 working days)
Example:
I receive a task on Monday to write some analysis and send the information within a week. I’ll jot my note as:
1. Downloads all data: Monday
2. Compile all data: Monday
3. Check data quality: Monday
4. Complete analysis: Tuesday
5. Send out email: Wednesday
Before I conclude the end of a working day, I will strikethrough tasks that are completed and +1 day for tasks that didn’t get completed for the day or adding an extra task for the week.
Example:
3. Check data quality: ̶M̶o̶n̶d̶a̶y̶ Tuesday
4. Complete analysis: Tuesday
5. Add graphs: Tuesday
̶5̶.̶6. Send out email: Wednesday
Keeping a note helps me to pace my workload so I won’t over commit to other and ensure quality work.
2 hours for each task. This might be subjective since my attention span to focus on a task average about 2 hours before my productivity starts taking a dive. Rather than wasting more time, I would rather work on the next task, keep my mind fresh and continue working on it the next day.
To maximize the self-allocated 2 hours, I usually plan how I will approach each task.
Example:
Compile all data: Monday
*write scripts for SAP data
*clean & normalize all data
*transpose [Column AB]
I find it easier working to break down and write on the methodology I would take to approach a task, is a way of mentally preparation and that makes it easier to identify problems earlier on and solving them.
Follow-up. From time to time, there will be a particular task whereby I can’t complete within the self-allocated timeframe and that is fine because is impossible to know everything but please do not use this as an excuse to stop work. Instead, I’ll try to seek help or research more into the topics, and acquire new skill sets, set a new completion timeframe.
Is okay not being able to complete a few tasks within the timeframe but if you missed too many, then that is being complacent. Try to be self-aware and reflect on what went wrong, improve on it, or take a break and get back on track again.
Here are my tips on working efficiently and being on track with my task. Hope this help you in being efficient in 2021. Go and get a notepad and start jotting things.
